Splitting a restaurant bill with friends? Expert shares 'most desirable' approach

Dining out can be an expensive undertaking. Dining out with friends can be even more costly.

When dining with others at a restaurant, what's the best approach to settling the tab when the check arrives?

An etiquette expert revealed the best way to avoid those awkward moments or potential conflicts that could damage a friendship.

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"It's not uncommon for friends at a restaurant to suggest at the end of the meal, 'Let's just split the bill equally,'" Diane Gottsman, founder and owner of the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio, told Fox News Digital.

"At this point, there are several people at the table agreeing outwardly but secretly irritated that they are overpaying for other people's food and drink. It feels uncomfortable because no one wants to be the person that speaks up."

To avoid this situation, said Gottsman, it's important to communicate in advance.

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Someone with financial constraints might be inclined to pay separately.

"The most desirable and sophisticated way to handle this situation is to look directly at the server when he approaches you and say, 'I'm going to take these two' or 'Please give me a separate check,'" said Gottsman. 

"Let the server know directly who you are going to be responsible for when the bill comes. It's always better to separate it at the beginning rather than at the end."

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If you do decide to split the bill evenly, it's best to know what the others at your table are eating or drinking.

Alcohol can quickly add up when it comes to the final bill, which might leave some feeling uneasy, especially if someone else at your table isn't drinking.

"If someone decides to order an extremely expensive bottle of wine, for example, you can speak up and say, 'Hey guys, please enjoy, but I don't want to pay for that wine because I'm not drinking. Letting you know now.'"

Splitting a bill down the middle can sometimes be the easiest, least-complicated way to handle things, but people with children should consider paying separately, said Gottsman.

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"You should also not expect for everyone to assume that splitting the bill is going to be appreciated," she said.

"If you speak out once, there are going to be several others [who] are going to take a huge sigh of relief because you verbalized what they were thinking."

Another piece of advice, Gottsman told Fox News Digital, is to avoid such scenarios with someone who you know "historically gouges you on the bill."

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"You can say, I'm going to pass on the invitation, but let's get together next week for lunch," said Gottsman. "In other words, accept an invitation where you can navigate how the bill is paid."

In the end, said Gottsman, setting expectations is one of the best ways "to get around this uncomfortable yet common scenario."

Colorado Rockies make MLB history with worst 50-game start in modern era

After being swept in a four-game series by the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, the Colorado Rockies fell to 8-42 on the season. 

The Rockies' horrendous start to the season is the worst 50-game start in the modern MLB era

In their 2-0 loss on Thursday, Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez pitched into the seventh inning. It was the Rockies' seventh shutout loss this season. 

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On the season, the Rockies are just 5-20 at home this season. 

Last season, the Chicago White Sox set the modern record for most losses in modern MLB history, as they went 41-121. This year’s Rockies team is on pace to be even worse, as they are on pace to lose 136 games.  

After Thursday’s games, the Rockies are 23 games behind the vaunted Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. 

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They are on pace to finish 74 games out of first place and 58 games to finish fourth place in the NL West, according to ESPN. Both of those deficits would set the all-time record for most games out of first place with ease.

While the Rockies continue to stumble, the Phillies have surged as they have won seven in a row and been especially good on the road, as they have won 11 of their 12 road games. 

Their current run has taken the Phillies to the top of the NL East, as they have passed the scuffling New York Mets for the top spot. 

The Phillies (32-18) will try to up their winning ways when they play the Athletics (22-29) on Friday at 10:05 p.m. ET. The Rockies (8-42) will try to turn things around when they take on the American League East-leading New York Yankees on Friday at 8:40 p.m. ET.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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